What are the most in-demand roles in manufacturing?

The manufacturing industry is vital. As an essential employer in Australia, manufacturing offers abundant job opportunities and a high demand for skilled workers. 

Roles such as site boilermakers, warehouse supervisors, and forklift operators are just the tip of the iceberg regarding manufacturing industry opportunities. All offer competitive salaries and progression.

Australia’s reliance on global supply chains has emphasised the potential for creating a sustainable local manufacturing industry, which could lead to increased employment and economic growth.

So, we asked ourselves, what are the most in-demand roles in the manufacturing industry? 

This blog aims to examine the jobs employers are most interested in hiring for and the responsibilities of someone who wants to apply for such positions.

Pick Packer

With home delivery playing a significant role in how retailers and direct-to-consumer businesses sell their products, pickers and packers are needed more than ever.

Whether they work for a retailer, logistics company, wholesaler, or manufacturer, pick packers are vital in product distribution.

‘Pick’ refers to choosing and picking up the items, while ‘pack’ refers to packing the order and getting it ready for delivery.

Many pickers and packers worked part-time or on a casual basis, and some might be required to work weekends and public holidays.

With rapid expansion and the nature of the job means that highly motivated people can quickly move from working on the floor into a managerial position.

Forklift Operator

Forklift operators are vital in warehouses, storage facilities, container yards and even hardware stores.

They’re primarily responsible for using heavy machinery to lift and move loads, such as lifting pallets, transporting materials, stacking products, placing deliveries onto high shelves, loading pallets onto trucks and removing items from storage.

In addition to moving goods, forklift operators are responsible for inspecting their machinery, maintaining stock inventory records and promptly reporting any issues to their supervisor.

To work as a forklift operator, you will need just two pieces of documentation. Firstly, you need to be over the age of 18, which means you can hold a Licence to Perform High-Risk Work. Lastly, you must undertake training and assessment with a registered training provider.

Production Worker

There is a stigma around production workers. Some people might think of long production lines and long, laborious tasks. However, production workers are, in fact, highly skilled workers.

They oversee production performance and quality control, address issues and play an integral role in advising management teams on lead times, scheduling and output.

With more companies embracing automated technology, operators must adapt and become versatile.

Warehouse Supervisor

The warehouse supervisor has a vital role in the manufacturing industry. As a supervisor, you’re responsible for overseeing the workflow in your department.

Some of your responsibilities include coaching those under you, supervising the work of others, and finding solutions to conflicts that might arise between your coworkers.

To stand out from the crowd as a supervisor, you are someone who is capable of training and guiding employees and becoming proficient in the procedures linked to your working responsibilities.  

Supervisors are required to be results-driven and focused, as they are expected to meet specific metrics. They are also keenly interested in the overall success of the people and departments you oversee.

Your goal is to ensure that operations happen efficiently and productively, contributing to profitability and long-term sustainable growth. You will be trusted to meet guidelines and take the initiative to organise, communicate, and maintain the people and operations under your purview. 

Additionally, you are responsible for ensuring adherence to legal and company policies and may be required to undertake disciplinary actions when necessary.

Process worker

Process workers are integral in ensuring that machinery operates efficiently and effectively.

Process workers are responsible for regular maintenance and repairs to keep their machinery in good working order. This work is carried out under strict deadlines and stringent quality control, ensuring a safe working environment.

In addition, the job presents several opportunities for overtime, allowing workers to increase their earnings or potentially work part-time, depending on their preferences. 

As this is often an entry-level position, no formal education is required to enter the workforce as a process worker. This means you’ll be able to learn technical skills that will help you on your career journey. 

Boilermaker

The boilermaker position remains in demand within the manufacturing sector. It is widely employed in multiple industries, including construction, mining, and industrial environments. 

As a boilermaker, you interpret design plans, choose construction materials, prepare and assemble metal structures, fit and weld pieces together, purify and polish metallic structures, install metallic structures, and maintain tanks, vessels, and metallic pipes.

To become a boilermaker, most individuals enter the industry by participating in apprenticeship programs where they learn about tools, metals, and processes. These apprenticeships typically last three to four years and involve extensive coursework and on-the-job training. 

To join an apprenticeship program, you should be at least 18 and have a high school certificate. During the apprenticeship, you must complete a Certificate III in engineering and fabrication trade, after which you can pursue employment as a journeyman boilermaker.

We at Synaco by Synergie are dedicated to supporting our employees. We work hard to provide the resources and support they need to succeed in their roles.

At Synaco by Synergie, a 55-year-old global workforce solutions team, we are deeply committed to workplace safety. This commitment, combined with our focus on providing a supportive working environment, ensures that our employees have the safe and secure workplace they deserve. 

Our Australian-wide labour-hire recruitment services enable us to partner with employers of all sizes across many industries. An essential part of our unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of our employees consists of our representative spending plenty of time in the field, attending pre-start and safety meetings, training sessions, inductions, work area inspections, and other essential assessments. At Synaco by Synergie, we champion safe, productive workplaces – and would be more than happy to assist you with your next career move. The list of our current vacancies is available here.